Is your toe sore and tender? If you don't remember bumping your toe, your symptoms might be the result of an ingrown toenail. Luckily, prompt treatment of the condition can help you avoid an infection. Dr. Henry Slomowitz, your Ridgewood, NJ, foot doctor, treats ingrown toenails in his Paterson and Paramus offices.

How can I tell if my nail is ingrown?

Initially, only a tiny shard of your nail may grow into the skin surrounding your nail. If you don't notice the problem and free the trapped edge promptly, the nail will continue to pierce the skin, causing tenderness and redness. You may also notice pain when you put on your shoes or socks or put the slightest pressure on the toe. In some cases, ingrown toenails become infected. Symptoms of an infection may include increased pain, pus around the nail, a warm feeling in your toe or red streaks extending from the toe.

How did I get an ingrown toenail?

You may be more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you don't cut your toenails straight across. If you round the edges, it will be much more easy for the nails to grow into your skin. Other risk factors include wearing tight shoes or socks or having naturally curved nails.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

If your nail has just begun to grow into the skin, you may be able to free it at home. Soak the toe in warm water for 10 or 15 minutes, then gently place a thin piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail. Once you've freed the trapped edge, keep floss or cotton under the nail until it's no longer in danger of growing into the skin. Don't attempt to treat an ingrown toenail yourself if you have diabetes, as even the slightest break in your skin can increase your risk of a serious infection. In these cases, it's best to call your Ridgewood podiatrist if you notice an ingrown toenail.

Call today!

When your nail won't budge, you're in severe pain, or you notice signs of infection, it's time to call the foot doctor. Your podiatrist will remove the trapped section of the nail during a minor office procedure. You may also need antibiotics if the toe has become infected.

Categories:

Contact Us

Name

Email

Phone

Message

Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).

Testimonials

“Dr Slomowitz diagnosed an issue with my son's ankle alignment, even after his pediatrician told us it was nothing to worry about. Always trust your guts parents! He explained everything to us in easy to understand terms and made our toddler feel comfortable. Highly recommend.”
- M.B.

“I took my daughter to see Dr. Slomowitz for a plantar wart. He was very gentle and relaxed, which put my daughter at ease. He also has started treatment with the least invasive option, which as a mother I appreciated!”
- C.K.

“Today my son had his first appointment with Dr. Slomowitz and it went well and smooth felt confident...been to other doctors for my son's condition and no result like the one we got today I thank his pediatrician that referred us to him awesome doc!!!!!”
- L.A.

The doctor is very nice and professional. He knows how to talk to children in a good way. He is also very humorous and very intelligent. I would definitely recommend going there if you have a foot problem. Good luck and thank you for treating my daughter so well Dr.Slomowitz.
- K.M.